Venus Williams, 45, Awarded Wild Card for First Melbourne Major in Five Years.
A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.
A Landmark Comeback to Melbourne Park
The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Australian Summer
Venus had previously revealed in November her plans to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a special entry, two weeks before the Australian Open. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at Melbourne Park.
Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.
"I’m excited to be back in the country and looking forward to competing during the summer season," Venus stated. "I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the chance to go back to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will mark the 22nd time she has appeared in the main draw.
Setting a New Record
Officials indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Open's main draw, surpassing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Latest Personal Milestone
In late December, Williams married Danish-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
